Television gardener Alan Titchmarsh has recommended two plants that can provide valuable sustenance for blackbirds as temperatures fall and winter approaches. In a video posted on his YouTube channel at the end of last November, he highlighted roses that produce hips and hawthorn berries as particular favourites.
Recommended Plants for Blackbirds
Titchmarsh advised gardeners to choose roses that produce hips rather than hybrid teas and floribundas. He said: “Roses, not your hybrid teas and floribundas, but the ones that produce hips. These bright red fruits here are loved by birds when they start to go soft. Blackbirds really tuck into them as they do with hawthorn berries. A round berry, but really deep crimson. Wonderful on the plant but also wonderful attractants for birds.”
The advice comes ahead of a cold snap, with the Met Office warning that the weather would be “cold and frosty” from Saturday until Monday. Temperatures are expected to drop to single digits over the weekend.
Shelter and Feeding Tips
In a separate video, Titchmarsh shared guidance on protecting birds once they are attracted to a garden, including installing a bird box. He said: “Although it's not nesting time in terms of rearing young, it's a very good time to give them some form of shelter, to allow them to roost to shelter at night.”
He added that the box should be placed out of the reach of cats, generally above head height, and in a sheltered spot. He also recommended installing bird feeders during winter, saying: “Because of the diminishing supplies of natural food, anything you can do to improve the diet of birds in winter is really worthwhile. Robins and blue tits in particular love balls of fat or lard you can get in a special container.”
Titchmarsh will appear on UK screens this weekend in Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, starting at 9.30am on ITV.
